One of the missions of O'Connell & Company Productions is giving back to our community through various collaborative efforts with local and national charities.  Our biggest fundraising tool is our original production, "DIVA by DIVA: A Celebration of Women!".  Other specialty shows have also been developed over the years to meet the needs of charitable organizations and community groups.  On this page we will share information on some of our community events and fundraising endeavors.

        Women's Respite Programs
              Stella Niagara, NY
               "Restoring Hopes, Refreshing Bodies,
                               Renewing Spirits"

The following article recently appeared in the Spring 2009 Newsletter, "Voices from the Women's Respite": 

"THANK YOU, DIVAS!
The joy of music and laughter filled the auditorium the evening of March 24th as Mary Kate O'Connell and company brought a performance of DIVA by DIVA to Stella Niagara to benefit the Women's Respite Programs.  The DIVAS gathered on stage to tell stories, read poems, and belt out songs that inspired, amused and had us laughing 'till we cried. Women from all walks of life make up the cast and through their shared talents, celebrate the dignity, challenge, beauty and humor of being a woman.  Their message inspires gratitude, confidence and an awareness that "we are all in this together", something that women from the Respite Programs know from their experiences in our programs. A delicious hors d'oeuvre reception preceded the performance and allowed us to meet many old and new friends.  Mary Kate and Company have generously offered to bring a special performance of DIVA to the weekend of the Grandmothers Respite. And we know the message will again be received gratefully: celebrate who you are!  Thank you DIVAS for your generous gift to us!" 

The DIVA performance for the Grandmothers Respite was held on May 2nd at Stella Niagara.  In addition to another round of stories, jokes, poems and songs, the DIVAS participated in an after-show "Girl Talk" segment which allowed for an open discussion with the audience. Topics included the importance of maintaining female connections and friendship, taking care of yourself - healthwise, beautywise and spiritually, and how to draw on our inner strength to see us through hard times.  Personal stories were shared by both cast and audience, and feedback after the show was proof that everyone enjoyed the evening.  Our thanks to Sister Diane Gianadda and her staff at Stella Niagara for their hospitality and friendship.


    ABOUT THE WOMEN'S RESPITE PROGRAMS 

The Women's Respite Programs at Stella Niagara provide women in need with an opportunity for rest and renewal in a safe and comfortable environment.  The Programs serve very low income single mothers, grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren, and women with cancer diagnosis who are referred by various agencies. The Program is supported by grants and donations and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis.

For more information, their e-mail address is:   Womensrespite@yahoo.com  or call:
(716) 893-0931.  Their address is 1301 Ferry Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

               CORNERSTONE MANOR

In keeping with O'Connell & Company Productions' mission of giving back to our community, we ventured into the "publishing" world in 1994 and produced a cookbook with the surprising title of, "DIVA by DIVA - The Cookbook".  If you have been to any of our shows, you are familiar with our lovely 3-ring binder cookbook which features DIVA drinks, DIVA d'oeuvres, DIVA dining and DIVA delectables.  We dedicated this cookbook (and half its proceeds) to Cornerstone Manor, which is a shelter for homeless women and children in Buffalo, NY.   While supplies last, we continue to sell our cookbooks at all of our shows, and during this 10th Anniversary Year of DIVA by DIVA, we are offering them at a special Anniversary price of just $10.

Cornerstone Manor has been a favorite charity of O'Connell & Company Productions for many years, and it has become a favorite of the DIVAS as well.  Each Christmas the DIVAS and Company members provide practical gifts for the residents at Cornerstone to help brighten their Holiday.  There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a couple of vehicles packed to the brim with gifts on the way to "our girls" at Cornerstone! Company members and DIVAS  also donate gently used clothing  to Cornerstone.  We marvel at the work done by Cornerstone's Director, Dr. Lora Warkentin, and her staff.


        ABOUT CORNERSTONE MANOR

The Cornerstone Manor, Buffalo City Mission's shelter for homeless women and children, has a twofold mission:  To provide basic needs (food, clothing & shelter) that keep people alive; and, to provide an essential support network and services to allow women to deal with the underlaying issues that cause homelessness by offering programs in parenting, budgeting, job training, education, counseling and spiritual guidance.  A new 120 bed facility at the corner of North St. and Michigan Ave. in Buffalo  opened in 2006 and provides space for improved medical, mentoring and faith-based services, and enables more women to stay longer.

For more information about Cornerstone Manor, visit www.buffalocitymission.org  (then select "Programs & Services) or call (716) 854-8181.